Ireland is a recognised global leader in biopharma manufacturing. Each of the top 10 global biopharma companies has operations in Ireland with the sector employing over 30,000 people, with a similar number indirectly employed. The sector has invested in excess of €10 billion in Irish manufacturing facilities over the last decade.

BioPharmaChem Ireland (BPCI), the Ibec group that represents biopharmaceutical and chemical manufacturing industry in Ireland, celebrates 25 years in existence in 2019. When BPCI was founded in 1994, the industry had annual exports of just €6 billion. Today, annual exports exceed €73 billion, and the industry is by far the largest exporting segment of the Irish economy.

But no industry can stand still and so BPCI has launched a new five-year strategy for the period 2019-2023. The new strategy document, ‘Ireland – the Global BioPharmaChem Location of Choice’.

The phenomenal growth of the sector to date has been achieved by world class companies who focus on innovation and deliver new and improved products. The next phase of development will include the digitisation of manufacturing and advanced therapeutics.

BPCI is conscious that we must avoid complacency and so it is important to galvanise key stakeholders and continue to drive the industry forward. Our new strategy document provides a roadmap to help the industry in Ireland continue on its journey of growth and development.

Pictured at the launch of the guide are Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys TD, Director of BioPharmaChem Ireland, Matt Moran and BPCI Chair Patricia Quane, VP and General Manager, Astellas Ireland.